Bergara Hunter vs. Weatherby Vanguard?

[BCD]

I'm looking at getting a 308 in one of these platforms mostly for plinking but potentially for some out west hunting too (shots would likely be 500 yards or less). Any thoughts on choosing one over the other? I wish the barrels came threaded for suppressors but I can always have that done later. I would consider others as well in the $1000 or less range (no Tikkas for me though).

Thank You!

 

[gelton]

I don't have any experience with Bergara but you can pick yourself up a Weatherby Backcountry Vanguard within your budget...comes with an upgraded stock and fluted barrel compared to the normal Vanguards...I have one and love it. Mine weighs in at 7.5 lbs scoped in .300 WM.

 

[Forest]

I dont think there is a bad choice these days. Maybe consider the bergara ridge instead. It comes threaded and little heavier barrel which would be nice for the plinking days

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[JBradley500]

I have a Bergara Hunter in 308. Love everything about it but after 4 or 5 shots it starts spraying them all over and I need to give it 5 or 6 minutes between shots to settle down. I don't care so much becuase it's for woods hunting, but I only got 308 because of barrel life. I probably would have gotten something with a longer MPBR if I knew it would take me all afternoon to shoot a box of ammo. I'll never be able to shoot out the barrel.

 

[morgaj1]

I have no experience with the Bergara, but do with Weatherby Vanguard. I have one in 300 Win Mag that I can't get to shoot consistently. I've shot all manner of factory loads and hand loads and it will not shoot less than 2MOA. I had it examined by my gunsmith and he couldn't get it to shoot either. I gave up on it and bought a Tikka 300 Win Mag and it consistently shoots 0.5MOA.

Funny thing is, I have my dad's old Smith & Wesson 1500 in .270 Win (made by Howa) and it is a shooter. Guess it is luck of the draw.

 

[amassi]

I have no experience with the Bergara, but do with Weatherby Vanguard. I have one in 300 Win Mag that I can't get to shoot consistently. I've shot all manner of factory loads and hand loads and it will not shoot less than 2MOA. I had it examined by my gunsmith and he couldn't get it to shoot either. I gave up on it and bought a Tikka 300 Win Mag and it consistently shoots 0.5MOA.

Funny thing is, I have my dad's old Smith & Wesson 1500 in .270 Win (made by Howa) and it is a shooter. Guess it is luck of the draw.

Did you send the vanguard back to wby? They're guaranteed to shoot sub moa.

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[morgaj1]

Did you send the vanguard back to wby? They're guaranteed to shoot sub moa.

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No, I've decided to rebarrel it.

 

[BCD]

I have a Bergara Hunter in 308. Love everything about it but after 4 or 5 shots it starts spraying them all over and I need to give it 5 or 6 minutes between shots to settle down. I don't care so much becuase it's for woods hunting, but I only got 308 because of barrel life. I probably would have gotten something with a longer MPBR if I knew it would take me all afternoon to shoot a box of ammo. I'll never be able to shoot out the barrel.

This sounds a lot like my Xbolt in 300 WSM. I really like the rifle, but the barrel heats up quickly and I spend a lot of time waiting around at the range. I shoot strings of 2.

Any other suggestions in a 308 for around $1000 or less preferably around 7lbs or less, with a muzzle brake and removable box magazine?

Thanks!!

 

[bow_hunt32]

I don't have any experience with Bergara but you can pick yourself up a Weatherby Backcountry Vanguard within your budget...comes with an upgraded stock and fluted barrel compared to the normal Vanguards...I have one and love it. Mine weighs in at 7.5 lbs scoped in .300 WM.

what ammo you running through it?

 

[gelton]

what ammo you running through it?

I started with 180gr Accubonds, moved to 215 Bergers and now am in the process of finishing up a load with the 180 Accubonds again (handloads). Currently running 83 grains of H1000 with the 180 AB and getting ~3050 fps with a hair over 1/2" MOA.

 

[South 75]

I've had really good luck with the Weatherby's.